Material Scientist (H/F)

Nature & portée

As an answer to the challenge of energy transition, John Cockerill has set up a joint venture in China for the design, manufacturing, and installation of pressurized alkaline electrolyzers. A gigafactory of electrolyzers is under construction in France and Belgium. Projects of gigafactories in other countries are planned.

Within the R&D unit of the technical department in the Hydrogen Business Line, you contribute to the development of innovative solutions in line with the product and technology roadmaps. More specifically, this position is attached to the Materials pool where you will make an impact on the core technology of our alkaline electrolyzers. The position will require your presence at our site in Seraing (Belgium) for one week/month and travelling in France and abroad.

Principales responsabilités

• Study, understand and optimize specific mechanisms occurring in pressurized alkaline electrolyzers that impact its performance and operability, with a specific focus on rings, seals, and electrodes’coating.
• Define testing protocols
• Analyze, interpret and summarise testing data
• Contribute to the development and protection of the Intellectual Property
• Be the effective contact point with research organizations and suppliers
• Work proactively with stack designers to ensure proper and smooth integration of the components within the stack

Profil

 MSc/PhD in material sciences/industrial chemistry/electrochemistry/chemistry

• At least 3 years professional experience in a similar position in a research center, in academia or in the industry
• Excellent knowledge of new materials (polymer, synthetic, ceramic, composites, catalysts) and experience in designing and testing procedures for pressurized systems and data interpretation
• Previous experience with fuel cells/electrolysers/flow batteries /electrochemical devices is an asset
• Strong material characterization skills (SEM, XPS, mechanical tests, etc.)
• Knowledge in fluid mechanics ais an asset
• Hands-on lab skills is an asset
• Excellent verbal and written command of English (French is an asset)
• Analytical, team player, problem-solver, hands-on, and autonomous
• Ability to define and stick to a planning, and to work on several projects in parallel
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills